If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you can’t keep from being affected by our local wildfires in some way. As the summer heat continues and the skies darken with smoke and ash, you are most likely experiencing mild to moderate symptoms from the increased air pollution. Even if you can’t smell the smoke, it could be affecting you. Here are a few suggestions from the WA State Dept of Health, the CDC, and Dr. Melinda Zamora to help you safely get through the next week or two.
How Does Smoke Affect Me and My Family?
- Smoke can cause coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, itchy or stinging eyes, and runny nose.
- People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), or allergies, smoke may worsen your symptoms (inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath).
- When smoke levels are high, even healthy people can have symptoms or health problems.